New Brunswick is one of four provinces that offers the Plusone mentoring program through the YMCA.
But Program Coordinator in Greater Moncton Elena Radu says with around 26 at risk youth on the waiting list, and more mentors are needed.
Radu says some of the at-risk factors they may be dealing with include social isolation, lack of positive role models or anti-social behaviour.
Youth are between the ages of 10 and 17.
“It is an amazing job, but at the same time, it can be hard. It is a lot of responsibility. Besides the training and support from us, we help them to achieve their goals, and help them with the different issues they are facing at the time when they are coming in to our program,” Radu says.
The YMCA Moncton’s Plusone Mentoring is recruiting volunteers! Just give two hours of your time once a week for a year to mentor a youth – a great way to make a difference in your community. For more info, contact Nicole Wry or Elena Radu at 857-0606 Ext. 2260 pic.twitter.com/UGRRznEV4f
— YMCA Moncton (@YMCAMONCTON) February 24, 2019
Mentors need to make a commitment of at least one year. They are trained to support the youth, and to help them achieve their goals.
“We are always recruiting for mentors. We try to reach every corner of the Moncton area, and we also have others coming in from other parts of the province who want to help, which is amazing,” Radu says.
Youth participants are matched with a volunteer adult mentor, and the pair meet weekly at their local YMCA to participate in sports, leisure, and capacity-building activities.
As the year progresses an authentic relationship is formed between the youth and their mentor.
For more information on how to become a Plusone mentor, visit HERE
